Title: A Tale for the Time Being
Author: Ruth Ozeki
First published March 11, 2013
432 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670026630 (ISBN10: 0670026638)
Rating: 4.05
Overview
In A Tale for the Time Being, Ruth Ozeki takes us on a journey through time and space. Nao, a sixteen-year-old girl in Tokyo, is struggling with loneliness and bullying.
In an attempt to find solace, she begins documenting the life of her great-grandmother, a Buddhist nun who has lived for over a century. Meanwhile, on a remote island, Ruth, a novelist, discovers a collection of artifacts washed ashore in a Hello Kitty lunchbox, possibly debris from the 2011 tsunami.
As she uncovers the mystery of its contents, she is drawn into Nao’s story and her unknown fate. Ozeki’s signature humor shines through as she explores the relationship between writer and reader, past and present, fact and fiction, quantum physics, history, and myth.
A Tale for the Time Being is a beguiling story that reminds us of our shared humanity and the search for a place to call home.
About the Author
Meet Ruth Ozeki, a Japanese American novelist hailing from New Haven, Connecticut. Her father, Floyd Lounsbury, was an anthropologist.
Ozeki burst onto the literary scene in 1998 with her debut novel, My Year of Meats. This was followed by All Over Creation in 2003.
She has since released her latest novel, A Tale for the Time Being, which hit bookstores on March 12, 2013. Ozeki is married to a Canadian land artist and they split their time between New York City and Vancouver.
Editoral Review
Toni Aleo’s Taking Shots is a sports romance novel that was first published on October 4, 2011. Aleo is an American author who has written several books in the same genre.
This book falls under the category of contemporary romance and follows the story of a hockey player and a woman who works in the media industry. The plot centers around the protagonist, Elli Fisher, who works as a journalist covering Nashville’s hockey team, the Assassins.
Elli is initially tasked with interviewing Shea Adler, a new player on the team, but quickly finds herself attracted to him. Despite their initial misgivings, they fall in love, but their relationship is threatened by a series of challenges that cannot be ignored.
One of the most significant strengths of the book is the author’s ability to portray realistic and relatable characters. Elli is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who knows what she wants but is also afraid of taking risks.
Shea, on the other hand, is presented as a classic alpha male, but with a vulnerable side that makes him more human. The chemistry between these two characters is undeniable, and the author manages to convey their emotions and conflicts in a way that feels authentic.
The pacing of the book is excellent, with just the right amount of action and romance to keep readers engaged. The plot structure is well-crafted, with several twists and turns that keep the story fresh and intriguing.
Additionally, the author explores themes of trust, communication, and loyalty, which add depth and complexity to the story. One of the book’s limitations is that it occasionally feels formulaic, and some of the conflicts and resolutions feel predictable.
Additionally, some of the dialogue is overly expository, which can be distracting, particularly in the early parts of the book. Taking Shots stands out in its genre due to its engaging characters, compelling plot, and excellent writing style.
Aleo’s use of authentic dialogue and vivid descriptions helps to create a realistic world that readers will find easy to get lost in. The book covers themes that are universal and relevant, particularly in a world where communication and trust are often lacking.
Overall, Taking Shots is an excellent book that is sure to appeal to fans of contemporary romance novels. It is a must-read for anyone looking for a well-written and enjoyable story that will leave them feeling satisfied.
I would give Taking Shots an impressive rating of four out of five stars.
